Historic African American Burial Grounds Preservation Fund Amendment Act of 2024
The bill's implementation would directly address the historical neglect and erosion faced by historic African American cemeteries, many of which were established prior to 1955 and are currently in various states of disrepair. The Fund would be allocated revenue from appropriated funds, grants, donations, and other sources, which would be earmarked specifically for the conservation of these sites. This legislative move could significantly impact existing local laws regarding the management and funding of cemetery preservation, elevating the priority of African American burial grounds within the larger context of historical site preservation in D.C.
B25-1015, titled the Historic African American Burial Grounds Preservation Fund Amendment Act of 2024, aims to establish the Paul E. Sluby, Sr. Historic African American Burial Grounds Preservation Fund. This legislation is designed to preserve, protect, and maintain historic African American cemeteries and burial grounds in Washington D.C. The bill honors the legacy of Paul E. Sluby, Sr., a notable figure in African American genealogy and burial grounds preservation, by facilitating dedicated resources for these culturally significant locations.
While the proposal appears to foster positive change, there may be points of contention regarding the allocation of public funds. Stakeholders might debate the extent to which government resources should be committed to preserving historical burial sites compared to other urgent community needs. Moreover, the bill stipulates that grants for activities at historic sites on private property require the consent of property owners, which could complicate funding efforts and limit the potential for broader preservation initiatives. The necessity of establishing a championed purpose for this Fund alongside regulatory compliance could also prompt discussions around governance and oversight in utilizing the allocated funds.